How to Get rid of Asian Ladybugs

If you see Asian ladybugs roaming around in your home, there are many easy ways to deal with them. Although these bugs have a bad reputation, you can rest assured they are harmless. However, if you still want to get rid of these annoying bugs, we’ll help. This article will teach you how to control an infestation, prevent the return of ladybugs, and provide the basics on identifying Asian ladybugs and how to stay safe with them.

Table of Contents

Control infection

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Use a vacuum cleaner to deal with a swarm of ladybugs. This is probably the best way to deal with large numbers of beetles. If you see a swarm of ladybugs entering your home, you can vacuum them out with a vacuum cleaner. If so, you should use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to prevent the bugs from coming back out. Once you’ve sucked up all the ladybugs, release them outdoors. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to Source}

This is also a great way to catch bugs in hard-to-reach places. Asian ladybugs like to hide in nooks and crannies such as low spaces, attics, and behind drywall to keep warm.
Ladybugs aren’t actually harmful to the environment, and they don’t do any damage to your home when they enter your home for shelter over the winter. If possible, let them out, don’t kill them.

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Catch and release each ladybug into the open air if you don’t want to kill them. Ladybugs only bite if they feel attacked, so just slap them on a piece of paper and shake them out the window. You can even use a broom to sweep the ladybugs into a shovel and release them outdoors. ^{[2] X Trusted Source University of Missouri Extension Go to Source}

Asian ladybugs are beneficial insects – they control aphids and other pests. Keeping ladybugs alive is ideal, even if you don’t want to see them crawling around the house. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Don’t crush the ladybug! They will secrete pheromones that are very foul and leave stains.

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Use light traps to lure and catch ladybugs outdoors. These ladybugs are attracted to light, so you can catch them with a lamp trap designed specifically to catch ladybugs. Unlike the insect traps that people often imagine, this is a one-way trap that emits light to capture bugs alive. You can buy these traps online. Hang traps in an area where the bugs gather at night and leave the next morning. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If ladybugs congregate outside near the wall, hang lights in the garden away from the house.
Insecticide sprays are not effective against Asian ladybugs, so don’t bother spraying them indoors.

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Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the entrances of the ladybugs. If ladybugs enter your home through cracks and crevices, you can treat them with diatomaceous earth. This non-toxic natural insect repellent will cause the bugs to dry up and die. Spread diatomaceous earth around the openings where you see ladybugs. You can even spread it along the baseboards to prevent bugs from crawling around. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home to deter ladybugs and other pests.
Remember to choose insect repellant diatomaceous earth instead of food grade. The type of diatomaceous earth is usually indicated on the packaging.

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Try soap, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol if you want a natural solution. Mix 1 part dish soap with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the soap evenly in the water. You can use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar instead of soap if you prefer. Spray the solution on the bugs you see. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

If this solution doesn’t kill the ladybugs, it will at least prevent them from crawling any further.

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Spray essential oils to repel ladybugs. Essential oils such as wintergreen and peppermint have been shown to repel other Asian beetles, and may also be effective against Asian lady beetles. ^{[7] X Research Source} Pour water into a spray bottle, add 5-10 drops of essential oil and spray on areas where ladybugs have crawled into the house. You can try using:

Green wintergreen oil
Peppermint Oil
Cedar oil
Marjoram Oil
Sage oil
Pine nut oil

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Use a commercial insecticide if no other option is available. Unfortunately, most non-toxic natural solutions are not strong enough to tackle these pesky bugs. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source} You can spray insecticides containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids (tetramethrin or resmethrin) on ladybugs. Ladybugs will die when exposed to the drug, then you just need to clean them up and wipe off the medicine. ^{[9] X Trusted Source University of Missouri Extension Go to Source}

Unfortunately, insecticides are also toxic. It can damage the skin and irritate the lungs. Wear a mask and gloves when handling the medication, and be sure to thoroughly wipe down sprayed surfaces after disposing of the ladybug carcasses. ^{[10] X Research Source}
You may find it convenient to spray the crevices where the ladybugs crawl, but this usually doesn’t work. Ladybug carcasses can attract others, so leaving them there is not a good idea. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source}

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Hire a professional to deal with the infection. Asian ladybugs tend to congregate in hard-to-reach places, so the pros will find them easier than you. Moreover, they have insecticides and tools that you don’t have. If you really want to get rid of large numbers of ladybugs then this is the option for you. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Asian ladybugs hibernate at high altitudes, where they can find warm shelter. So they often find their way into low spaces, attics, and wall crevices on the second and third floors of buildings.
If possible, you should find a pest control service that has experience dealing with Asian ladybugs. This beetle appeared in America not long ago.

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Wait for the ladybugs to come out on their own, as they will leave once winter is over. These bugs don’t destroy anything – they just hibernate in your walls. If you hear them move as it starts to warm up, it means they are trying to get out. If you’re not upset, just ignore the ladybugs, they’ll be gone in no time! ^{[13] X Research Source}

If you have a garden at home, the Asian ladybug will be a friend of the plants in the garden! They feed on aphids and other plant-damaging scaly winged insects, and they are stronger than the common ladybug at pest control. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Prevent Asian ladybugs from entering your home

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Seal cracks and crevices in your home before winter arrives. If ladybugs appear in your home, they have crawled through an opening somewhere. Seal gaps around lighting fixtures and patch holes in drywall. Seal window and door slits with door slits. ^{[15] X Reliable Source University of Missouri Extension Go to Source} For chimneys and exhaust pipes, you can use a size 20 mesh (or tighter) to cover the open end. This will prevent ladybugs from crawling in without obstructing air circulation. ^{[16] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source}

This is the best way to prevent ladybugs from entering the house in the future. They are not good at breaking into houses. In fact, you may find a swarm of ladybugs outside your home just to hibernate in openings if they can’t get in.

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Spray insect repellent outside the house. Any handy product that contains bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or permethrin will work. Read the directions on the product label, wear protective gear, and spray the exterior walls of your home to deter ladybugs. They will find another place to hibernate. ^{[17] X Research Source}

This is a good option if you can’t seal your home because it’s too old or if you have to make major repairs.
Ladybugs prefer walls that are not shaded and get plenty of sun. If your home is too large, you should at least treat the west and south exterior walls. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

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Avoid decorating the exterior with contrasting colors, if possible. Asian ladybugs are attracted to light and dark surfaces. You can prevent them from appearing by decorating your home with similar colors. If your exterior walls are dark, use dark curtains and remove light fixtures and appliances. If the outside walls are light-colored, you should also use light-colored curtains and avoid hanging flags or colorful decorations. ^{[19] X Research Source}

If you want to focus on adjusting a part of the house, focus on the southwest side of the building. This direction will have more sun, and ladybugs are generally attracted to sunny areas.

Spot the Asian ladybug and stay safe

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Look for uneven dots and a white M to identify the Asian ladybug. Common ladybugs are red, while Asian ladybugs can be orange, yellow, or even crimson, and they also often have an M-shaped head. Finally, the common ladybug has uniform dots, and the Asian ladybug has dots of all shapes and sizes – some even have no dots at all! ^{[20] X Research Source}

If a ladybug comes into your house, it is probably an Asian ladybug. Common ladybugs don’t like to stay indoors, while Asian ladybugs will try to find shelter when it gets cold outside. ^{[21] X Research Source}
The Asian lady beetle is also known as the Asian beetle or the multicolored beetle.

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Avoid crushing ladybugs in the house to avoid unpleasant odors. Try not to crush any ladybugs you see in the house. First, these bugs only bite if they are afraid of being attacked. Second, they will give off a bad smell and even stain the surface when you crush it. As tempting as it may be, don’t step on ladybugs that roam the house. ^{[22] X Trusted Source University of Missouri Extension Go to Source}

It’s important to know that ladybugs don’t mean to enter your home. They roam the house only to get lost in, and they will leave when they are taken out!

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Wear a mask, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts to prevent allergies. These bugs secrete pheromones that can cause allergies. If you have close contact with Asian ladybugs, wear a mask and long sleeves. Usually these bugs are harmless, but they can also bite when scared and will release very nasty pheromones when disturbed. Some people are allergic to this pheromone, so wear protective gear just to be safe! ^{[23] X Trusted Source Penn State Extension Go to source}

Most people will just be annoyed by the smell of ladybugs. Allergies are rare and not very serious (usually just skin and sinus irritation), but be careful!
A ladybug bite is not dangerous, although it may cause concern. Many people describe the feeling as being pricked by a needle. You can prevent being bitten by wearing long sleeves and gloves.
In addition, you should also wear clothes that you are not afraid of getting dirty. These bugs can leave yellow streaks, and you may have to wash your clothes if they rub on you. ^{[24] X Research Source}

Advice

Asian ladybugs are attracted to bright colors such as white, light gray and yellow. Light-colored houses can attract ladybugs. Consider repainting your home and covering up exterior appliances in light colors. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Warning

There are many posts circulating online about dogs being poisoned by ingesting ladybugs. Unfortunately, this is real. Puppies that eat a ladybug or two may just experience an upset stomach, but they can also get food poisoning if they eat too much. Take your dog to the vet when you see him chewing on a handful of ladybugs. ^{[26] X Research Sources}
You may be allergic to the pheromones secreted by ladybugs. It’s usually not dangerous, but you should see a doctor if you have trouble breathing or your symptoms don’t improve. ^{[27] X Research Source}
Most common insecticides do not work on Asian ladybugs. Medicines may only stimulate ladybugs to release pheromones, so you need to read the ingredients in the product carefully to make sure it’s effective. Products containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids (tetramethrin or resmethrin) usually work. ^{[28] X Research Sources}

Steps

Control infection

Prevent Asian ladybugs from entering your home

Spot the Asian ladybug and stay safe

Advice

Warning

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